Wolves’ 2017/18 promotion-winning side is iconic, however, one key face was missing from the squad in the Premier League.
When Wolves won promotion with 99 points in the 2017/18 campaign, expectations were high going into the Premier League.
The club boasted multiple sensational players such as Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves and the Old Gold only added to this during the proceeding summer.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo and Fosun were also ruthless, with many big names also leaving the side.
One of the most puzzling departures at the time was Barry Douglas who was a core member of the starting XI during the title-winning season. Now, the Scotsman has opened up about his departure from the Old Gold.
Barry Douglas claims ‘there is no loyalty in football’ after Wolves departure
Douglas had a sensational 2017/18 campaign. Joining in July 2017, he went on to make 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and picking up 14 Championship assists, the joint most in the division.
The wing-back was also central to many memorable moments such as the 2-1 comeback against Bristol City and his sensational free-kick in the 4-1 victory over Leeds United.
Therefore, when Wolves chose to sell Douglas to Leeds just over a year after buying him, it came as a bit of a shock to the Molineux faithful.
Speaking to Under The Cosh, Douglas insists that while there wasn’t any ‘animosity’ and that he has a ‘good relationship’ with Nuno, his sale changed his perspective on football.
He said: “I’m all for rising to the challenge to compete with someone, it’s the opportunity I want. He said [Nuno] ‘we are going to bring someone in; selling you is going to help fund bringing someone in, and we are going to go with him and one young guy; if you stay, you won’t be included’. He said, ‘it’s nothing personal, it’s just business’.”
Douglas then added: “I was big and ugly enough to go it can go one of two ways. I can fall out and feel sorry but I just kind of got on with it and got to enjoy something new.
“At that moment, it changed a wee bit for me because I saw that there is no loyalty in football whatsoever, it is just business at the end of the day.”
Read more: Where is Wolves’ 2017/18 Championship-winning team now?
Barry Douglas’ sale was harsh but right
Going into the new campaign, it was extremely harsh for Wolves to sell Douglas.
With the Scotsman being one of the star performers he deserved a chance to prove he was capable in the top flight.
However, with Jonny coming into the fold and Ruben Vinagre being seen as an upcoming star, it was hard to see where Douglas would have fit in.
Thankfully, the wing-back went on to have a successful career elsewhere and his performances in the 2017/18 campaign mean he will always be welcomed back to Molineux with open arms.